Abstract
The range of outcomes in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) is heterogenous, and reaching full recovery is possible. The proportion of FES patients reaching full recovery is still somewhat unclear. Functional outcome is recognized as an important aspect of recovery, and neurocognition has emerged as a possible predictor of this. The present study combines outcome with neurocognition in FES, investigating the proportion of participants reaching full recovery, and identifying neurocognitive domains predictive of social and role functioning at six-year follow-up. Methods: The present study is part of the Oslo Schizophrenia Recovery Study, in which individuals with first-episode schizophrenia are followed over a period of ten years. We here report on data from the six-year follow-up. The candidate was given access to the collected data. Regression analysis was used to investigate the research questions. All statistical analyses are performed by the candidate. Results: 45,5% of the FES participants fulfilled criteria for full recovery, 27,3% were partially recovered, and 13,6% were in remission. Attention (β = 0,57, p<0,05), processing speed (β = -0,55, p<0,05), verbal learning (β = 0,50, p< 0,05), reasoning and problem solving (β = 0,44, p<0,05) and working memory non-verbal (β = 0,33, p < 0,05) statistically significantly predicted social functioning at six-year follow-up. Neither of the specific cognitive domains statistically significantly predicted role functioning. Conclusions: The findings of the present study contribute to the knowledge on outcomes of FES. They indicate a bright outlook for the majority of FES participants. The results add to the knowledge on specific neurocognitive domains as predictors of functional outcome in FES, and further facilitate tailoring treatment according to neurocognition. We speculate that, long-term, neurocognition might be of greater importance for social- than role functioning; emphasizing the importance of a continued focus on destigmatization of schizophrenia.